PDSA vets rank England’s best winter dog walks

14 December 2023

Enjoying the Great British countryside with your dog is a wonderful experience but often walking them in the cold winter months can seem a chore. PDSA vets together with PDSA Pet Insurance are reminding pet owners of the importance of getting out and about with your dog despite the colder weather by sharing their favourite winter walks across England.

“Going for a long country walk is one of the greatest joys of having a dog,” explains PDSA Vet Nurse Shauna Walsh. “Not only does exercise help keep you and your dog physically healthy, getting outdoors in different environments with different smells will help keep your four-legged friend’s brain active, too.

“Like humans, dogs need the mental stimulation that new sights and experiences bring so we’ve pulled together a list of our favourite winter walks you could try with your pooch this year.”

“For some dogs, walks in new places can be incredibly exciting. A variety of new sights, smells, and locations to explore can offer wide sensory experience that stimulates their minds and keeps them engaged. We’ve pulled together a list of our favourite winter walks you could try with your pooch this year.”

Top 7 winter walks from PDSA Pet Insurance:

Aysgarth Falls, Yorkshire Dales

Aysgarth Falls is a beauty spot which only gets better in the winter - especially after a period of lots of rain. There are three flights of waterfalls to experience, as well as pathed routes, so there are plenty of walk options to choose from. It’s important to be aware this area is an on the lead-only place to visit – it’s home to lots of wonderful animals including cattle, so keep your dog on lead when exploring. For dogs who don’t mind a climb, the total elevation to the top of the waterfalls is about 215 metres, and will take about 1.5 to 2 hours. And because it’s rather sheltered, it’s a good choice for rainy days, too.

Bushy Park, London

Potentially one of the lesser known of the capital’s Royal Parks, Bushy Park is actually the second largest. Close to Hampton Court Palace, the stunning landscape is a fabulous spot for a winter walk with your pooch. With a mix of grass, ponds and gardens, it’s a perfect place for your dog to explore. There’s only one area where dogs aren’t allowed and that’s The Woodlands Gardens, other than that, dogs are free to explore during the winter months. If you visit in the deer birthing season (May to July) dogs must be kept on leads throughout the park.

Cleeve Common, Gloucestershire

Home to the highest point in the Cotswolds (330 metres), and 1,000 acres of land, Cleeve Common is a brilliant option for walking your dog in winter. With stunning views over Cheltenham, the Vale of Evesham, the Malvern Hills, and as far as the Black Mountains in Wales and the Shropshire Hills to the north, there’s lots to see for both you and your pooch. There are plenty of walks to enjoy but make sure you check ahead of time whether sheep and lambs are on the common (usually April – November) as you’ll need to keep your dog on a lead.

Godrevy, Cornwall

Beaches aren’t just for summer – in fact, with less restrictions on four-legged friends on beaches during the winter months, it’s sometimes better to head to the beach in winter for a walk with your pooch. Godrevy boasts miles and miles of smooth sand for your dog to enjoy. Its prime positioning within St Ives Bay means you’ll see spectacular views right out to St Ives one way and to Godrevy Lighthouse the other. If the weather isn’t on your side, it’s not far to wander through the Towans just behind the beach and discover all the WWII ruins.

Devil’s Dyke, Brighton

With its panoramic views across the South Downs, Devil’s Dyke is a fantastic spot to enjoy with your four-legged friend. At nearly a mile long, the Dyke valley is the longest, deepest and widest 'dry valley' in Britain but there are plenty of walks to choose from. While dogs are welcome everywhere on the South Downs, you’ll need to keep them close to you at all times and stick to main pathways and tracks. There’s even a dog-friendly pub which provides treats and water at the end of your walk!

Holkham Beach, Norfolk

Holkham beach is stunning no matter what time of year but beach walks in the winter are often less busy and more enjoyable for our pooches as they have more freedom to run around. Boasting a huge, largely flat beach area stretching four miles as well as forest areas, Holkham really is the best of both worlds for your dog. If you’re keen to extend your walk, Holkham Hall welcomes dogs into the grounds and has a dog-friendly café too!

Hamsterley Forest, Newcastle

Hamsterley Forest is County Durham’s largest forest, and at 5,000-acres, it’s sure to give your dog a good walk. There’s a number of trails to choose from depending on your preferences. The 2.5-mile Bedburn Valley walk goes through an ancient woodland trail, whereas the 4.5-mile walk through Spurls Valley passes beautiful waterfalls. There’s also the Three Becks option which takes you through 4.5 miles of waterside beech trees that are especially stunning in winter months.

Staying safe on winter walks:

“While many dogs still love the chance to go out on adventures during the colder months, the winter season does require a little more thought and preparation to keep your dog safe.” adds Shauna. “You’ll need to take extra care when outdoors and watch out for these common winter hazards.”

1. Salt and grit. Often used on roads in winter, salt and grit can irritate our pet’s paws. If you end up walking on salt and grit, be sure to wash your pet’s paws upon returning home. You could apply a thin layer of paw butter or other pet-safe skin cream to your dog’s pads which may protect them from cracking.
2. Snowy paws. If it’s a white Christmas, the snow can build up on dogs’ paws and cause them discomfort, so prepare paws by keeping hair between pads trimmed, so there’s less hair for snow to gather on. When you get home from your snowy walk, check your dog’s paws and soak off any snow in warm water.
3. Antifreeze and de-icer. Great to stop cars icing up in winter but actually incredibly toxic for animals and can be fatal if ingested. If you suspect your pet may have licked some antifreeze, contact your vet and get them to your vet for treatment straight away, so they can start treatment immediately. Never wait for symptoms to appear. Keep antifreeze out of the reach of pets and clean up any spills really thoroughly – so no one is put at risk.
4. Storms and floods. Heavy rain can cause havoc, so it’s best to be prepared for bad weather over winter. If there is a storm or flood warning, consider exercising your pooch inside instead.
5. Extreme temperatures. If it’s an extremely cold winter’s day, beware of icy surfaces – they can be just as slippery for our pets. Look out for frozen ponds, too. They may be enticing for curious canines, but are as dangerous to our pets as they are us. To keep your dog safe around bodies of water, keep them on a lead.
6. Dark nights. Take extra precautions during walks when the sun goes down - LED collars and hi-vis leads for your pooch, as well as a torch and brightly coloured coat for you, are great for lighting the way and being visible.
7. Wrap up warm. Most dogs grow thick furry coats all year round, so aren’t bothered by the chilly weather, but some thinner-haired breeds, puppies and older dogs may need extra help staying warm and can benefit from wearing a coat in colder weather (make sure it’s a hi-vis one for extra safety!).

PDSA is the UK’s largest vet charity providing a vital service for pets across the UK whose owners struggle to afford treatment costs for their sick and injured pets. For many vulnerable pets, PDSA is there to help when there is nowhere else for their owners to turn.

The charity’s insurance partner, PDSA Pet Insurance, offers a range of policies to cover cats and dogs for accidents and illness, as well as providing access to a 24/7 veterinary helpline. Every policy sold raises funds for the charity’s life-saving veterinary work.

To find out more visit pdsa.org.uk/pdsa-petinsurance